As the cornerstone of Qiddiya City – a $750 billion destination designed to become the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s capital of entertainment, sports, and culture – recently hosted a wave pool comp. The event at Surftopia at Aquarabia marked an important step in the integration of surfing into mainstream attractions with the Red Bull Pool Clash.
“Instead of relying on natural ocean waves, the event uses consistent, mechanically generated waves so athletes can focus on style, creativity, flow and risk-taking and not on finding the best wave in the lineup,” said Red Bull in a statement. “Beyond sport, it’s designed to feel festive and community-driven, with spectators close to the action, music, and a lively atmosphere.”
Athletes began in Jam Sessions, where they performed tricks, lines and wave combinations. The highest-scoring surfers advanced to Head-to-Head elimination rounds, including quarterfinals, semifinals and the final. Judges evaluated competitors on execution, style and progression.
The event drew athletes, fans and first-time spectators and combined surfing with music and entertainment activities.
“With its unique blend of competition, creativity and entertainment, the successful debut of Red Bull Pool Clash marks an exciting new chapter for surfing in Saudi Arabia,” wrote Arab News. “Supported by Aquarabia, the Saudi Surfing Federation, Oakley, Nivea Sun, Endless Surfer and Volcom, Red Bull Pool Clash highlighted the growing appetite for alternative action sports in the Kingdom and showcased the next generation of surfing talent.”
Saudi surfer Leila Zahid won the women’s division, while Hugo Cardoso won the men’s division. Both champions received a surf trip to Munich, Germany, (home to another Endless Surf wave pool.)
Red Bull has long been interested in wave pools, kicking off with an inaugural event 10 years ago at the now-defunct Surf Snowdonia in Wales. At that time, Red Bull Unleashed signaled the company’s interest in artificial wave technology.
